Warm Wallace Welcome to New Head of Department

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Can you tell us about your teaching career before coming to Wallace Prep?

After graduating with a 1st Class Honours degree from Stranmillis University College in 2007, I was fortunate enough to secure a teaching position in Towerview Primary School, Bangor. During 8 wonderful years there I held various positions including Head of Key Stage Two, Teacher Governor and teacher responsible for raising school standards.

What are your initial impressions of our Prep?

I have been thoroughly impressed by the welcome I have received from everyone and the courteous behavior of our pupils continues to amaze me. A clear family ethos runs throughout the school and a real sense of commitment to Wallace and its excellent reputation. We have many pupils who are following in their parents and grandparents footsteps by committing themselves to an educational journey with us.

The caring, supportive interactions between the staff, teaching and non-teaching, and the pupils really struck me. Having taught in a much larger primary school, it was difficult to get to know every child but here each child is known to all staff allowing for their individuals needs supported and accomplishments celebrated. The opportunities and grammar school facilities that we provide are clearly second to none including extra curricular activities, specialist teaching, languages, support, wrap around care etc.

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What do you most enjoy about your job?

Simply, working with children.

I love how, driving into work each day, I never know what lies ahead or what’s round the corner. I love how, in a matter of seconds, I can go from the stresses of targets, statistics and bureaucracy in the office, to talking to a child about Spiderman or playing in the sand tray. I love how I never know where a particular lesson is going to lead; children really do have the ability to make you laugh and even de-stress (yes, it’s possible!) I remember getting a letter from a parent telling me I had given her son a ‘chance in life’ – this is what my job’s about. There is no greater feeling in teaching than when you see a flame being ignited inside a child’s mind or when you the see that ‘penny’ dropping. As teachers we have the wonderful opportunity and power to, not only create the next generation, but recognise and nurture what our children can do today. If I can have some positive influence on a child’s life then I have succeeded.

The holidays aren’t bad either!

What is your vision for the school?

Our Vision in Prep is ‘Creating Confident Children’ and that’s exactly what I want us to continue to do. We will continue to be committed to developing and celebrating the individual strengths and talents of each child within Prep, actively encouraging and supporting them to fulfil their potential and to achieve a high standard of education. I want to celebrate and build upon our 2013 Inspection in which we were Very Good or Outstanding in all areas. I am really looking forward to selling the unique opportunities that our thriving department has to offer and building effective working relationships with the staff, pupils, parents and the wider community.

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Would you like to tell us about any hobbies outside the classroom?

Like all teachers, working exceptionally hard during term time allows us to relax during our generous holidays so I do like to ensure I get away travelling as much as possible and spend some time with my family as we are too often like ships passing in the night! As I get older, I enjoy the simpler things in life like a quiet night in, catching up with friends, eating out and the odd trip to a concert or stand up comedy performance. I also do some volunteering for The Scout Association.

Sum yourself up in no more than five words.

Motivated
Leader
Witty
Determined
Passionate

Last modified: March 8, 2017